Introduction to the Old Testament

OT500

Introduction to the Old Testament

Spring 2025

Course Description

This course is a general introduction to the Old Testament as Christian Scripture, the living Word of God. We will begin by getting a sense of the lay of the land (literally), the broad brushstrokes of the historical context, and the overall literary shape of the Old Testament, also known as the Hebrew Bible. With the big picture in mind, we will then turn our attention to individual books, surveying the genre, structure and major themes of these books, as well as how they relate to each other and to the later writings of the New Testament. Ultimately, we will aim for a theologically ruled reading of the Old Testament that is Trinitarian, Christ-centered, and Cross-shaped.

As this is an introductory survey course, we will be unable to cover every book as thoroughly as would be ideal. It is my prayer, though, that our encounter with the Old Testament this semester will not only increase our knowledge, but encourage greater appreciation, conviction, and understanding about how the Old Testament above all witnesses to Christ and thus speaks as Scripture to us today.

Instructor: The Rev. Dr. Leonard Finn

Book List

Primary Textbook: The Old Testament. Please use a reliable modern English translation (not a paraphrase). Approved translations include the following: ESV, RSV, NASB, NIV, NKJV. Other translations should be used only with the approval of the instructor.

Secondary Required Texts: Longman, Tremper, and Raymond B. Dillard. An Introduction to the Old Testament, 2nd ed. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2006. ISBN: 978-0-310-26341-8. Price: $49.99.

Supplemental Essays and Articles: Distributed in PDF format by the instructor.

Recommended Supplemental Text: Walton, John H. Chronological and Background Charts of the Old Testament. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1994. ISBN: 978-0-310-48161-4.


If this is your first credit class at Trinity, or you are not taking the course as part of a degree, please complete the non-matriculated application. A bachelor’s degree is required to obtain credit.

To register to audit a Master’s Level course, please complete an audit application.